NZ mountain radios

[ninjapuppet]

I remember seeing in nz some ads for portable mountain radios. Has anyone hired/ operated these? Does anyone have Any details about these units regarding purchase costs, radio specs, etc?
Are there different models or is it just a standard radio operated by some local government body?

In the mountain huts at Mt Cook DOCS operate a radio weather forecast service where you can also call in for chopper transport, but a portable one of these would be great.

[Rob A]

..

[tastrax]

I reckon here would be a good place to start. I think the portable ones were HF radios.

http://www.mountainradio.co.nz/history.html

[Bush Walker]

My recent experience is that the NZ mountain radio system is run by DOC who jealously safeguard the frequencies, to avoid disruption to their emergency communications from trampers. So even with a radio, you won't be able to use it without insider knowledge to the frequencies.

No amount of arm twisting would get them to reveal the frequencies.

[wayno]

last time i used one was a few years back,
i didnt obtain it, not sure how much it cost to rent. it was a crude system, two channels. uses a dipole thin wire antenna, reception depends largely on how well you errect the antenna as much as your location.
can't recall the weight, would be between a kilo or two, as long as you make a decent attempt putting the antenna up you should get reception unless your in a tight gorge then it's anyones guess.... theres a sched for the weather, dont recall there being one in the morning, only at night.